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In The New York Times’ 2012 roundup of 45 hot travel destinations, San Diego ranks 14th for its liquid attractions — and they weren’t talking about Shamu.

Instead, the story in Sunday’s newspaper toasted craft beer, noting “few American regions have more brewing momentum than San Diego County.”

While the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau does not track “beer tourism,” officials argue that the vibrant brewing scene attracts national media attention and out-of-town visitors.

“The word is out about San Diego beer,” said Robert Arends, a ConVis spokesman.

This year, a six-pack of events and trends promise to spread that word.

1. Craft Brewers Conference/BrewExpo America, May 2-5.

Why: Seminars and workshops are aimed industry insiders, but local breweries and pubs will host events designed to please casual fans and top brewers.

Watch for: This year’s conference includes the World Beer Cup awards. The last Cup, 2010 in Chicago, saw San Diego brewers win 21 medals, more than Germany (16) or Belgium (7). Will locals match those totals?

2. Stone enters Liberty Station, late summer.

Why: The county’s largest brewery brings one of the state’s largest brewpubs to Point Loma’s historic Naval Training Center. The restaurant will feature 400-plus seats plus a little brewery producing unique brews.

Watch for: More Stone on tap. Doubling production space in its Escondido headquarters, the brewery (2011 production: 147,000-plus barrels) is gearing up for growth.

3. San Diego International Beer Festival, June 22-24.

Why: This San Diego County Fair event pours a greater variety of beer than any U.S. festival west of Denver (last year: 325 brews).

Watch for: Hess, growing out of its Miramar home, is seeking larger digs. Existing nanos at Blind Lady Ale House and Monkey Paw, two San Diego taverns, will be joined by newcomers at mid-city’s Tiger! Tiger!, Julian’s Bailey Barbecue and Stone’s Liberty Station outpost. The small brewery trend is growing large.